"John Carmack, who has become interested in focusing on things other than game development at id, has resigned from the studio," Willits told IGN.

"John's work on id Tech 5 and the technology for the current development work at id is complete, and his departure will not affect any current projects."

He added: "We are fortunate to have a brilliant group of programmers at id who worked with John and will carry on id's tradition of making great games with cutting-edge technology. As colleagues of John for many years, we wish him well."